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| Saturday, May 17 we present our "Florida-friendly Tree & Landscape Clinic". In just one hour learn the basics to creating a yard that is more compatible with Florida's fragile ecosystems,conserves water, and doesn't require fertilizers! FREE! See "Upcoming Events" for more details. |
General Information
Call (941)426-9752 for more information.
Come join us and support us in our efforts to protect and maintain our native tree canopy. We're celebrating 10 Years!
"People for Trees, Inc." is a 501(c)(3) non-profit group founded in 1997. Our mission is to create awareness about the importance of protecting and maintaining our native tree canopy.
The more we understand Florida¹s environment, the more likely we will respect and preserve it, not only for ourselves but for many generations to come.
Our People for Trees Festival '08,held on April 19 was a HUGE success! We gave out 200 free trees to those who attended a tree-care seminar during the festival. Thanks to our major sponsors (Gill Family Medicine, Marge & Don DelCore,Sunny Days Ice Cream)as well as Coastal Wildlife Club,Inc., ECOSWF, Walter & Paula Johnson, In Memory of Jerry Kostka, North Port Tae Kwon Do, Inc., North Port Feed Supply, North Port Sun, T's Plus. A $20 MEMBERSHIP gets you a tree, and a $30 MEMBERSHIP gets you a tree AND a Florida-Friendly landscape consultation. See "Contact Us".
We received the 2003 Environmental Education Award from Sarasota County Environmental Services.
We received the Keep Sarasota County Beautiful Award in 2004 & 2005 for our community gardens: In Veteran¹s Park,a "Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue!" garden, our "Community Tree Walk" along Tamiami Trail near North Port Blvd., and a butterfly garden at the North Port Boys and Girls Club.
All of these landscaping projects were designed to be Florida-friendly, using drought-tolerant and native plants, shrubs, and trees which result in a landscape that is more compatible to Florida¹s unique environment.
People for Trees, Inc. encourages the use of drought-tolerant and Florida native plants because we believe that people can and should co-exist with Florida¹s fragile and unique environment!
The pine flatwoods is a region that will typically flood during summer rains, and experience some low-burning fires due to lightning strikes in the spring and summer seasons. It¹s this cycle that maintains the delicate ecosystem we enjoy - it¹s real Florida! An acre of pine flatwoods will usually contain between 50-75 species of plants. Wildlife from the swamps and wetlands will use the flatwoods at least part of the year.
Both the slash and longleaf pine trees are found in areas that are slightly elevated. What is the difference between these two types of trees? The slash pine will have straight, thin limbs and a smaller canopy while the longleaf pine will have large, bent limbs and a much larger canopy. Unfortunately, after more than 100 years of fire suppression, drainage, development, and invasion of non-native species, more that 98% of Florida's longleaf pine forests have been lost.
Enjoy looking through our website and help us preserve one of our most precious resources!
Tree Facts
Trees increase property values from 5-9%!
Shoppers will spend more time in areas that are shaded and business rents in tree-lined districts are up to 15% more than those areas without shade.
Trees clean the air. An acre can remove about 13 tons of dusts, gases, and pollutants from the atmosphere every year.
Trees produce oxygen. Trees produce the oxygen that we breathe. The pine tree is the oxygen factory of the south, producing more oxygen than any other tree.
Communities that have an abundance of trees and show a commitment to respecting their environment enjoy significantly higher property values.
Trees produce the oxygen that we breathe. The pine tree is the oxygen factory of the south, producing more oxygen than any other tree! One mature tree can produce enough oxygen for a family of four for one year.
Trees conserve energy. A home shaded by trees can reduce its air conditioning costs by almost 50%!
Cities with few trees become heat islands. Trees lower surrounding air temperatures by as much as 15 degrees!
Trees provide homes for wildlife. The pine tree is home to over 11 different species of birds, more than any other tree in Florida!
Trees reduce noise pollution by acting as sound barriers. Each 100-foot width of trees can absorb about 6-8 decibels of sound intensity.
Trees help with flood control. A moderate size tree's roots absorb 400 gallons of water per day.
Trees lower air temperatures by as much as 15 degrees.
Trees are the homes of wildlife and vital for all ecosystems. The pine tree is home to 11 species of birds, more than any other tree in Florida.
Street trees provide an effective traffic calming mechanism. Drivers will slow down on roads that are canopied by trees!
Trees absorb carbon dioxide (car emissions: air pollution) through the scientific process of carbon sequestration.
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| The porterweed can be used as a decorative fast growing and drought and heat tolerant hedge. |
Ongoing Activities
Sponsoring our Annual Tree Festival. Maintaining our Community Tree Walk along Tamiami Trail. Maintaining a Butterfly Garden at the North Port Boys and Girls Club.
Maintaining a "Circle of Trees" at North Port High School.
Coordinating the annual Earth Day Poster Contest for schoolchildren.
Hosting Florida-Friendly Yard tours in North Port
Sponsoring Free "Florida-friendly" Landscape & Tree Clinics
* Sponsoring an Ecology Club at Heron Creek Middle School
* Planting a "Circle of Trees" at North Port High School
Awarding a scholarship to a North Port High School Senior.
Decorating the graduation stage for the North Port High School ceremony.
Conducting nature walks along the Myakkahatchee Creek.
Monthly participation in the "Adopt-a-Road" program along roadways.
Sponsoring a monthly environmental club for children, ages 5-11, the "Eco-Kids Club"
Past Accomplishments
Received proclamations from the City of North Port and Sarasota County in honor of our 10th Anniversary!
Planted trees at the Garden of the Five Senses with Cub Scout Pack #257.
Installed a Florida-friendly residential landscaping design for Cohen Homes (Suburban/Harwood) North Port.
Created a "Commemorative Tree Garden" at Lamarque Elementary School in partnership with Daisy Troop #62 Developed and installed Florida-friendly yards for two Habitat for Humanity houses.
Organized the 40th Anniversary Tree Planting and Commemorative Brick Walk for the City of North Port in 1999.
Recognizes area businesses for their efforts in saving trees on their commercial property during development.
Planted trees at North Port High School, Cranberry Elementary School, and Glenallen Elementary School
Planting of a butterfly garden at North Port High School.
*Created a "Tree Walk" landscape project along the bike path on Rt. 41
* Installed a "Red, White, and Blue" garden at Veteran's Park
* Planted a "Kids Garden" at the North Port Boys and Girls Club
* Assisted with brush and tree removal after Hurricane Charley in 2004.
* Sponsored an "Eco-Camp" summer day camp for children along with the North Port YMCA in 2005 and 2006.
Planting one-pot butterfly gardens with the Cranberry Elementary Environmental Club.
Remember, we are a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Alice White/Chair-426-9752 Linda Massey/Vice-Chair Valerie Ollinger/Treasurer Doris Doersam/Secretary
Directors: Bonita Goldman, Mary Nicol, Shirley Malanowski, Allain Hale
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